Review of Heartless (2010) by Daniel M — 07 Feb 2011

I feel a little awkward for not understanding what the heck was going on in this film, when apparently, everyone else did, and most people loved it. I've liked most films Philip Ridley has made, but this left me wondering.

At first, I got really invested in the film and it seemed promising. But after Jamie visits Papa B's house, for me at least, the film descended into messy folly. I find the cast members to be all great actors, but it just seemed such a waste.

However, the direction, cinematography and soundtrack were something more than good. I loved the atmosphere and the idea. I just didn't care for it after a point. The violence in the London streets was portrayed rather excessively, but that doesn't mean there wasn't realism in that portrayal.

Ridley had a lot of time to think about this movie before making it. As it seems, it wasn't enough.